Creeping Snowberry

(Gaultheria hispidula)

Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula)

Mary Krieger

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Mary Krieger

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Gaultheria hispidula, commonly known as Creeping Snowberry, is an evergreen subshrub native to cool, moist, acidic soils in coniferous and mixed forests, often found in the understory or along forest edges in the northeastern USA and southeastern Canada, with a smaller native region in southwestern Canada. This plant typically forms a dense, low-growing mat up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter and 10 cm (3.9 inches) high, making it an excellent ground cover. The small, rounded leaves are less than 1 cm (0.39 inch) long, arranged alternately along the stems, and have a leathery texture. In spring, Creeping Snowberry produces inconspicuous pale green-white flowers that are followed by distinctive white berries in late summer, which are showy due to their unique texture and color contrast with the foliage.

Creeping Snowberry is valued for its winter interest provided by the persistent white berries, which resemble small snowballs and persist into winter, and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions where other plants may struggle. It is commonly used as a ground cover in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as an understory planting in larger landscapes. This plant prefers partial to full shade, consistently moist but well-drained acidic soils, and is relatively low maintenance once established. It is not known for serious pest or disease issues, but it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. While it is not aggressive, it can spread to form a dense carpet, which should be considered when planting near other small, delicate plants.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 0.7-1.5 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Cool, moist, acidic soils in coniferous and mixed forests, often in the understory or along forest edges

Other Names

Common Names: Cancer Wintergreen , Maidenhair Berry , Moxie-Plum , Chiogène Hispide , Gaulthérie Hispide , Oeufs De Perdrix , Petit Thé

Scientific Names: Gaultheria hispidula , Chiogenes hispidula , Chiogenes serpyllifolia , Arbutus thymifolia , Vaccinium hispidulum , Phalerocarpus serpyllifolia , Arbutus filiformis , Gaultheria serpyllifolia , Glyciphylla hispidula , Lasierpa hispidula

GBIF Accepted Name: Gaultheria hispidula (L.) Muhl. ex Bigelow